Acyclovir Patient Views

My doctor prescribed me acyclovir to try, similar medication, it hasn’t helped yet but it’s a little soon to say for sure

I didn't do very well on Acyclovir but did on Valtrex (Valaciclovir). The Acyclovir made me feel sluggish, slow and poisoned and had no effect on my ME viral symptoms. The Valtrex had a good effect from the first week. Not sure why that is. Other individuals I know with ME who have been seen at the Breakspear report either side effects to the Acyclovir or no good effects. I'd start off slowly if I was in your position and then ask to switch to Valtrex if you find the side effects too much or have no good effects. Good luck.

Acyclovir! It was not intentional, the patient just had cold sores and got it prescribed from the urgency doctor because the patient had four infections at the same time (yes, really). To the patient's surprise it helped with some of the patient's symptoms (mostly sound sensitivity and burning headaches). The patient has gone off and on a week of it (1g/day) for a few weeks to test and always felt better when the patient took it. The patient presented some case studies and trials to the patient's GP who then put the patient on the dose of the trials (3,2g/day) and the patient has been progressing at a much much higher pace since with some symptoms being a rare occurrence. The patient gets PEM later, capacity has increased and the patient recovers better. The patient has to say the patient was ill with a virus or something at least once a month which always put a halt to the progress, so the patient has always suspected something was up with the patient's immune system.

I started taking 500mg Valtrex twice a day, Equilibrant from Dr. Chia, and a standard Aleve at bedtime a month ago and I feel better than I have in 6 months.

None! I am on the 800mg pills and at first I had a bit of stomach ache. But now I have nothing. I am very side effect sensitive. I'm pretty sure my mechanism is immune system related, and that the acyclovir is targeting something that causes at least part of my symptoms because I have been progressing very rapidly since I am on it. I do think the kidneys have to be monitored.

It’s helped me but definitely not cured me. Been taking and continue to take valacyclovir 500mg/2x/day. No side effects. Helps with fatigue.

I had cold sores (together with three other infections in a week - infections triggered it) which led me to taking acyclovir around half April. To my surprise I felt better after a week, then went off and felt worse, got back on for a week, then got off again and with my general practitioner came to the conclusion that the meds were doing something. I went on 1g a day (but avyclovir has a different way of working because the meds release differently, valacyclovir is more steady release, so the doses don't correspond) and also was on 3.2g a day. I find valacyclovir works better also on lower doses. I finally had a consultation with my Long Covid specialist last week. The high dose my Long Covid specialist wasn't a fan of so he changed to valacyclovir and lowered my dose. Still am progressing and I think valacyclovir works better. I had sound sensitivity which is pretty much gone. Also PEM comes later, burning headaches are milder, my throat ache is also milder and sometimes gone. I feel like my symptoms are dialed down and I can progress more quickly, with pacing of course. I am already ill for 2.5 years, so I didn't expect a miracle solution. It also isn't a miracle. However, it does help a lot and I am cleared to take it for 6 months. First month 2x 500mg and then 1x 800mg a day. Still not able to work but I can function a bit more normal now! I don't think I would have been able to make this progress without the meds. What is your experience? Can you let me know what the neurologist said? My Long Covid specialist also referred me to a professor allergy & immunology for testing for immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders. Also asked to give advice on the valacyclovir. But that's only in December.

My doc suggested acyclovir since it’s supposed to be a bit more gentle. But I’m open to suggestions

I tried acyclovir and it made my whole face start to peel everywhere.

As someone with MECFS for over 20 years, Valtrex is the only thing I have EVER tried, that I know for certain had an effect. Sadly it was only for 9 months.

3-4 months into the treatment I was sure I was going to be somewhat back to normal!! Alas, wasnt to be. It completely stopped working!!

2x500 dosis twice a day. Effect started alrdy within 80 hours. Could breathe normally, PEM kinda went away. Could increase my activity. Could study and read complicated stuff for the first time in a decade. Could feel sleepy again!!

The clinic I am at doesnt even seem to know why this was the case.